Rinku Singh’s IPL 2026 campaign has hit another rough patch, with the left-handed batter struggling to find any rhythm for KKR. After showing signs of loss of form, his latest outing turned into a quick disappointment for the KKR vice-captain during Friday night’s contest at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad against the Gujarat Titans.
Rinku’s Ahmedabad setback
- Rinku came in and could last only two deliveries in the middle.
- He managed a single run before his innings ended.
- Across the season’s first five innings, he has scored 79 runs in total.
- His best effort so far has been an unbeaten 33 against the Mumbai Indians.
On the same night, questions were raised not just about Rinku’s batting returns, but also about how the KKR batting plan has been used around him. The match against Gujarat Titans illustrated that concern, with Anukul Roy promoted above Rinku—Anukul arriving at No. 7—before being dismissed shortly after. Kagiso Rabada sent Roy back to the pavilion, ending that brief opportunity.
Former India batter Manoj Tiwary criticised the decision-making around Rinku, arguing that the immediate priority should be building the batter’s confidence rather than further undermining it. In his view, KKR’s approach in the game sent the wrong message, especially given Rinku’s importance to the side over the years.
Tiwary said, “You changed the entire batting order. You sent Anukul Roy higher up. You just sent Rinku Singh an indirect signal that you don’t have any faith in him. Whoever is thinking in their right mind would send Rinku higher up, as he has been your asset for such a long time.”
He added that Rinku appeared visibly affected after the dismissal, stressing that the team needed to protect the batter’s momentum. “Just look at Rinku, when he came back after getting out. He was completely heartbroken. He knew, deep inside, that it shouldn’t have happened to him. When you had to build his confidence, you did the exact opposite by sending Rinku down the order. If KKR continue playing like this, they will remain at the bottom,” he said.
KKR’s winless start and Tiwary’s concerns
KKR, meanwhile, are still searching for their first win of the season. The three-time champions sit at the foot of the points table, having collected only 1 point from six matches—marking the franchise’s worst-ever start in any IPL campaign.
Tiwary suggested that performances alone may not explain the struggle, pointing instead to deeper issues within the group. “KKR fans have seen three titles. But this year, your main bowlers got injured, but it wasn’t like that; all the strength was taken away. The team was still strong. But something is not right, be it the atmosphere or the combination,” he said.
He also labelled the recent showing as disappointing. “It was a disappointing performance,” Tiwary added.
KKR’s next assignment is against the Rajasthan Royals on Sunday, April 19, at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
